Sean Straub of Experience Everett is sharing this guide to what's coming up in Everett this month. Look for more updates each month. Spring has sprung. And although the sun has graced us with its presence the last few days, April showers are bound to keep us looking for fun activities indoors. We've got you covered.This weekend: Get up close to the action with the Tilted Thunder Rail Birds at Comcast Arena. They have the distinction of being only the seventh banked track league in the nation and the only league in the Northwest to play on a modern banked track. Come see them in action during their second bout of the season on Saturday at 5 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Trinity Lutheran College's Lavik Lecture Series continues its tradition of bringing high-quality programs to Everett. On Saturday, TLC has invited renowned international speaker Dr. Miriam Adeney to host Beauty for Ashes: Stories of hope around the world. Participants will explore cross-cultural outreach to women, looking at issues of human trafficking, educating girls and women's micro-finance. Cost for the event is $30. Online registration has closed but you may still attend by purchasing your ticket at the door. Everett Performing Arts Center hosts two great events over the weekend. On Saturday, Olympic Ballet presents Coppelia at 2 p.m. The charming comedic ballet makes its first return to the stage since premiering in 2011. Choreographed by OBT Artistic Directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, the ballet takes us to a quaint Eastern European town where the eccentric doll maker Dr. Coppelius is hard at work trying to bring his beloved Coppelia doll to life. Then, on Sunday, indulge in Everett Chorale's spring concert theme, "We're Going Uptown," which celebrates fine art in Everett. Tickets are $14-16.The Schack Art Center's Tangible Evidence exhibit is in the main gallery until April 12th. The exhibit showcases works by the Northwest Designer Craftsmen, now in its 60th year. NDC strives to stimulate public appreciation of fine craft by fostering the highest standards of design and craftsmanship. And later this month, you won't want to miss their new exhibit Trail of Cedar, Stone & Canvas: Honoring NW Coast First Nations Peoples. The opening reception will be held on April 24 from 5-8 p.m. Did you know you can catch live music in Everett every weekend? Some of our favorite locations are: Port Gardner Bay Winery (free), Under the Red Umbrella, Emory's on Silver Lake, Tony V's Garage, Cafe Zippy and several other spots around Everett. Check out Everett Rock for the complete list. And don't miss Gloria Trevi at Comcast Arena on April. Hailed as the "Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop" by VH1, Trevi has sold over 20 million records and has written and recorded more than 300 songs throughout her two-decade career. Are you a fan of foraging? Check out Melany Vorass, author of "The Front-Yard Forager" on Saturday at the Everett Public Library. Melany will discuss finding, identifying, and preparing edible weeds in an urban environment at 2 p.m.Other April happenings: Margaret - Music and Poetry Inspired by the Life of Margaret Rucker: April 11 at 8 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre. Everett-based musician Jason Webley organized this unique event, which celebrates the artistic works of Margaret Rucker, daughter of one of Everett's most prominent founding families. Webley was visiting a friend in San Francisco last year when the friend showed him a century-old journal he'd found in a dumpster 20 years ago, written by a young woman growing up in Everett. Inspired by its heartfelt entries, Webley's friend had held onto the journal over the years. Turns out, the journal belonged to Margaret Rucker. The performance will weave history with music and poetry at the Historic Everett Theatre. With support from the Everett Music Initiative, the show will feature performances by Webley, Shenandoah Davis, Jherek Bischoff, Eliza Rickman, Zac Pennington, Led to Sea, Lonesome Leash, and Mountains and Tunnels. Tickets are $15. Also on April 11th, Bethany's 9th annual Taste of the Northwest will feature craft wine, beer and spirits from around the region. Tickets are $20 and include 4 tastes. Proceeds from ticket sales, and a raffle and silent auction, will benefit local non-profit Bethany Northwest. Start your night here, and then head out to a local restaurant afterward. April is National Grilled Cheese Month, and Kama'Aina Grindz is celebrating with some of the most delicious variations of grilled cheese we've ever seen. End the night by taking in the musical delights of Margaret.The Pacifica Chamber Orchestra hosts their spring concert on April 13. Tickets are $15-20. Later that night, our south Everett fans will want to check out Everett Comedy Night at Emory's on Silver Lake. Host Cory Michaelis welcomes headliner Steven Kent McFarlin aka Spanky along with Jose Bolanos from Movin' 92.5. One of our favorite April events has blossomed into a weeklong festival. Earth Day is April 22, but that didn't stop Everett Community College from putting together a line-up of activities spanning April 21-26. Don't miss zany gardener extraordinaire Ciscoe Morris on April 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Not to be outdone, the Sno-Isle Co-op is hosting a block-party on April 22 on their front porch, 2804 Grand Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that includes crafts, activities, music and more. Afterward, head over to The Austin for an Earth Day Concert & Paul Roberts Album Release Party with Preacher's Wife. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds benefit Climate Solutions. All these events are making us thirsty. Combine your thirst for wine with your inner artiste at Wicked Cellars' Corks and Canvas "We Heart Wine" event on April 21. $45 get you all your supplies, step-by-step instructions and your first glass of wine. Tickets go fast, so reserve your spot now. Now in its second year, the GEAR Up Expo features 180 booths showcasing outdoor-oriented companies and the newest gear, apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for the 2014 season. The event takes place April 26 and 27 at Comcast Arena. Retailers will include prominent names such as Cabela's and Eddie Bauer, as well as smaller, local outfitters and dive shops. A keynote speech will be delivered by Helen Thayer, a remarkable explorer who holds claim to titles including the first woman to reach the magnetic North Pole alone and first woman to walk 4,000 miles across the Sahara from Morocco to the Nile River. Other show activities include a 30-foot climbing wall, show-floor "adventure theater" and on-floor wine and beer garden. After gearing up, help support our troops by running a 5k, 10k or half-marathon. The Heroes Half salutes the brave men and women who have fought for our country, many of whom are now living here in Everett. Held on April 27, the race starts and ends at the Port of Everett Marina. The course hugs the marina for most of its route, ensuring breathtaking views the entire way. Heroes Half is also in the Guinness Book of World Records! Last year, Trevor Boyd ran the world's fastest half marathon while pushing his daughter in a stroller – 1:13:50. Whew! Last but not least, Spring also means that migratory whales make their way back into Puget Sound. Island Adventures offers several great whale-watching cruises that depart from the Port of Everett Marina now through May 18th. Tell 'em "ExpEverett" sent you and they'll knock $30 bucks off your ticket!.For details on overnight accommodations, a full listing of activities, or to submit your event, visit us at www.ExperienceEverett.com. And for up-to-the-minute information on what's happening around town, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. https://twitter.com/ExpEverett

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